Polity

Supreme Court & High Courts

Understand the structure, jurisdiction, and key constitutional articles governing India's Supreme Court and High Courts for competitive exams.

4 August 2026· 10 min read

Definition

The Supreme Court and High Courts form the apex and upper tiers of India's integrated judicial system, responsible for upholding the Constitution and safeguarding fundamental rights.

Key Points

Supreme Court: Located in New Delhi; highest court of appeal; established under Article 124.
High Courts: Head of the state judiciary; established under Article 214; currently 25 High Courts in India.
Appointment: Judges are appointed by the President via the Collegium system.
Jurisdiction: Both possess Original, Appellate, and Writ jurisdictions.

Why Important for Exams

Frequent questions on writ jurisdictions under Article 32 (Supreme Court) and Article 226 (High Courts).
Retirement age differences: Supreme Court judges retire at 65, while High Court judges retire at 62.
Concept of Judicial Review and Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
Removal process (impeachment) of judges under the Judges Inquiry Act.

Important Facts / Landmark Case / Articles / Years

Articles 124-147: Deal with the organization, independence, jurisdiction, and powers of the Supreme Court.
Articles 214-231: Deal with the High Courts in the States.
Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Established the Basic Structure doctrine of the Constitution.
Maneka Gandhi Case (1978): Expanded the scope of Article 21 (Right to Life).

Remember

S-32, H-226: Supreme Court issues writs under Article 32 (wider scope for Fundamental Rights only), whereas High Courts issue writs under Article 226 (wider scope for both Fundamental Rights and legal rights).